Places To Visit In Wayanad Sightseeing

The most popular tourist location of Wayanad district is the Kuruva Island. People from all over the country are attracted to the dense forest surrounding the island situated amidst the tributaries of River Kabani. Kuruva Island is only occupied by rare birds, flora and herbs that are a sight to sore eyes. This quaint retreat from the busy city life is a place of profound peacefulness and tranquillity. It is found 40kms west of Sulthan Bathery.

Chembra peak amid the beautiful valleys and adventurous trekking trails. Although a bit of a dicey task, the trek to Chembra Peak is one of the most enjoyable experiences that tourists have encountered. It is the highest hill in Wayanad, and the day long trek is the best way to experience the wilderness that is this hill valley. Tourists are advised to carry sleeping bags, huts, canvases and trekking implements that are available at stores before the trek begins. After traversing through the backwoods, the breathtaking view of Wayanad greets one from the peak.

Edakkal Cave is a stunning structure. With a length and width of 96ft and 22ft respectively, the cave is a delight to tourists. The walls are adorned with intriguing carvings that will take your breath away, and archaeology enthusiasts will love the intricate designs and elements of this creation. The history of Wayanad, and even the entirety of Kerala is said to have been covered in these beautiful carvings, and they prove to be one of the best tourist spots of Wayanad.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is extremely close to the border of Karnataka. Wild forests house the most popular species of animals like the spotted deer, elephant, bison, wild bear, cheetah, tiger and the likes. Elephant rides are provided by the Forest Department to the tourists.

This popular tourist picnic spot of north Wayanad is the home of an attractive aquarium amidst a lush surrounding. Boating facilities are available at the resort, and the tall, brooding trees and shrubs are one of the most alluring features of this region. Pazhassi is the cremation point of Pazhassi Raja, who was known as the Lion of Kerala since he was the one who initiated the guerrilla warfare against the East India Company. He was cremated in 1805 at this spot.

Lakkidi is a favourite of tourists. With the view of the entirety of Wayanad, Lakkidi also provides scenic beauty like never before. Streams, vegetation, the view of rich mountains and dense valleys of this peak are amidst a blanket of forests that keep it a warm and quaint location for a retreat. Take your hiking shoes and go ahead to enjoy the scenery of this area.

These gushing waterfalls run down from a height of 100 to 300 meters, dropping into the pool, which is widely used for rafting, swimming and even lounging in the water at times. There are tree top huts around the region, and they prove to be a delight to the eyes. The view of the deep valleys of the Western Ghats when combined with the Soochippara Waterfalls is of much peace to the soul. Tourists love to take a sleepy retreat in this area and enjoy the amazing view and surrounding of the waterfalls.

Banasura hills in the Wayanad district is the picturesque Banasura Sagar dam. Banasura Dam is the largest earthen dam in the country and the second-largest in Asia. The view of the sprawling reservoir from the top of the dam is breathtaking. Adventures like speed boating are readily available, and a trek up to the Banasura Peak is filled with streams, diverse flora, fauna, lush tropical green and majestic waterfalls. An earthen dam, also known as an embankment dam is created by placing mounds of clay, sand, rock or soil. The view of Banasura Lake from the top of the hill is mesmerising.

The most important tourist destination in Wayanad, Pookot Lake is a natural fresh water lake nestled amidst evergreen forests and wooded slopes. Surrounded by lush greenery all around, this idyllic lake, with its breathtaking scenic beauty and peaceful ambience, mesmerizes every visitor on tour to Pookot Lake. The pathway around the lake is lined by thick bushes and tall trees which further add to the overall charm. One of the main tributaries of the Kabani River – the Panamaram rivulet originates from Pookot Lake and then tumbles down into Panamaram valley. A fresh-water aquarium filled with an excellent array of fishes is a major attraction for tourists on their tour to Pookot Lake.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and comprises of rare as well as endangered species of both flora and fauna. It is surrounded by the protected areas of Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu as well as Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka. Founded in the year 1973, the wildlife sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which was the first biosphere out of the 14 present in India. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 345 square km and comprises of two parts namely Upper Wayanad and Lower Wayanad. Eucalyptus, as well as bamboo trees, are grown in the region.

Chain Tree is a popular Ficus, which has many myths associated with it. According to one of the legends, the road up was built by a foreign engineer but the route was given to him by a local tribal youth who was shot to death by the engineer. His spirit is said to have stuck to the tree causing many accidents on the hair pin curve. Another story says that when the British first came to Wayanad, the Adivasi Mahouts took them to the top the mountains. As the Portuguese were close behind them, they did not want the Mahouts to go back and get the Portuguese. Hence they killed the Mahout whose spirit lived in the area causing accidents. A local priest later chained the spirit to the tree with a chain over it.

Sulthan Bathery, located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, is a quaint and peaceful town. The place came to be known by its new name after the great ruler, Tipu Sultan of Mysore, invaded the region and used the Jain Temple located here as a battery. The pleasant weather in this beautiful town, coupled with excellent opportunities for shopping and spectacular historical sites makes the town of Sulthan Bathery a popular tourist destination that is visited by tourists all year round. Located at an altitude of 1000 meters above the sea level, the town of Sulthan Bathery boasts of a fantastic topography: majestic hills interspersed with valleys, cliffs and plains. Not only is Sulthan Bathery now the largest town in the entire Wayanad district, but the place is also reputed for its tourism and commercial activities.